The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will host its fourth annual Symphony Gala March 8 at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown, it announced Wednesday.

The black-tie affair will include a performance by Tony Award winner Audra McDonald with the orchestra, and will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the orchestra’s Talent Development Program — which identifies musically gifted and motivated African American and Latino instrumentalists and prepares them for acceptance into top music programs in preparation for careers as professional musicians.

Proceeds will benefit the orchestra and its education and community programs. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Nov. 8.

The gala is chaired by orchestra board member Ed Labry, vice chairman of First Data Corp. The patron chair is longtime ASO supporter and volunteer Annie-York Trujillo. Ingrid Saunders Jones, a former Coca-Cola Co. senior vice president of global community connections and former chairwoman of The Coca-Cola Foundation, has been named the event’s honorary chairwoman.

Patron guests will begin their evening at 6 p.m. with a pre-concert cocktail reception in the Stent Atrium at the High Museum of Art. At 7:30 p.m., McDonald, a versatile performer known most recently for her role as Dr. Naomi Bennett on the ABC’s “Private Practice,” will perform popular Broadway selections and classical favorites with orchestra members in Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Following the concert, patron guests will enjoy a seated dinner in the High’s Taylor Lobby. Throughout the evening, patrons will have the opportunity to bid on luxury items at a silent auction.

After dinner, the lounge-style after party in the Stent Atrium will also feature cocktails, coffee, desserts and live entertainment.

Tickets start at $37.50 for the concert and $1,000 per couple for the entire gala.

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